How to Store Cheese and Bacon Rolls to Keep Them Fresh and Tasty

Cheese and bacon rolls are a popular snack that are loved by many. With their soft bread, gooey melted cheese and salty bacon pieces they are absolutely delicious. However, proper storage is crucial to keep these tasty treats fresh and prevent them from going stale quickly.

In this article, I will share several tips and tricks on how to best store leftover cheese and bacon rolls so you can enjoy them for longer. Whether you baked a big batch to meal prep or have some extras after a party, this guide will help you maximize their shelf life.

How Long Do Cheese and Bacon Rolls Last?

Freshly baked cheese and bacon rolls can last 1-2 days at room temperature covered in an airtight container. After this time, they will start to dry out and become stale.

To extend their shelf life you can store them

• Refrigerated: 5-7 days
• Frozen: 2-3 months

The cold temperatures in the fridge or freezer slow down the staling process and prevent moisture loss.

Here are some more storage timelines:

• Unbaked dough: 2-3 days refrigerated
• Baked rolls without toppings: 3-5 days refrigerated
• Baked rolls with cheese/bacon: 5-7 days refrigerated

So let’s look at the best ways to store cheese and bacon rolls to optimize these time frames.

Store at Room Temperature

Keep freshly baked rolls at room temperature if you plan to eat them within 1-2 days.

Steps:

• Let the rolls cool completely after baking. You want them to be fully cooled before storage to avoid condensation buildup.

• Place them in an airtight container lined with paper towels. Plastic containers, bread boxes, or zip top bags all work well.

• The paper towels will soak up excess moisture and prevent sogginess.

• Make sure the container or bag is sealed tightly. Any airflow will cause the rolls to dry out faster.

• Store in a cool, dry spot away from sunlight. The pantry or cupboard works perfectly.

• Refrigerate after 1-2 days at room temperature. The cold environment will prolong freshness.

Proper room temperature storage will keep the cheese melted and the bread nice and soft. Just be sure to eat the rolls within a couple days before moving them to the fridge.

Refrigerate for Up to 1 Week

Refrigerating is the best way to extend the shelf life of cheese and bacon rolls. It slows down starch crystallization that makes bread stale.

Follow these tips for fridge storage:

• Let the rolls cool fully before refrigerating. You want no residual heat.

• Place in an airtight container or bag. This prevents moisture loss.

• Make sure rolls are not touching each other. This avoids sogginess.

• Store cheese and bacon rolls in the back of the fridge where it’s coldest.

• Use within 5-7 days for best quality and freshness.

The chilly environment keeps rolls fresher longer. But over time, the bread can dry out and crack. Be sure to use refrigerated rolls within a week.

Freeze for Up to 3 Months

Freezing is ideal for long term storage of cheese and bacon rolls. It stops staling and locks in freshness.

Follow these freezing tips:

• Cool rolls completely after baking.

• Wrap each roll individually in plastic wrap or foil. This prevents freezer burn.

• Place wrapped rolls in freezer bag or airtight container.

• Remove as much air as possible and seal tightly.

• Label bag with date and contents.

• Freeze for up to 2-3 months for best quality.

• Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.

The freezer preserves texture and taste very well. But rolls may lose a little freshness after prolonged freezing. Be sure to consume within 2-3 months.

Tip: Bake frozen rolls straight from the freezer. Just add 3-5 minutes to the bake time.

Thaw and Reheat Leftover Rolls

Have some cheese and bacon rolls left over after a few days? Simply thaw and reheat them to enjoy again. Here’s how to restore freshness:

• Thaw rolls in the fridge overnight if frozen. This prevents moisture loss from fast thawing.

• Reheat rolls in the oven at 300°F for 4-5 minutes until hot and crispy. Use a sheet pan lined with foil or parchment.

• You can also reheat in the microwave at 30 second intervals, checking until warm. Add a damp paper towel over top to prevent rubbery texture.

• Eat within 1-2 days for best quality and taste. Don’t refreeze thawed rolls.

Proper thawing and reheating helps revive leftover cheese and bacon rolls. But try to eat within a couple days as the rolls will continue to stale.

How to Store Unbaked Cheese and Bacon Roll Dough

Want to prep cheese and bacon roll dough in advance? Here are some storage tips:

• After kneading the dough, shape it into a ball. Rub surface with oil to prevent drying out.

• Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl and cover tightly with plastic wrap.

• Store in the refrigerator for 2-3 days maximum.

• Remove dough 1-2 hours before needed to let it come to room temperature before shaping.

The fridge prevents dough from overproofing but doesn’t stop rising fully. Be sure to use refrigerated dough within 2-3 days.

Signs Your Rolls Have Gone Bad

With proper storage, cheese and bacon rolls can last up to a week refrigerated. But here are some signs that rolls have spoiled and should be discarded:

• Mold growth – discard rolls at first sight of fuzzy mold.

• Odd smell – spoiled rolls give off sour, unpleasant odors.

• Dry, cracked texture – rolls feel dried out and overly hard.

• Loss of softness – rolls no longer have a tender, pillowy texture.

• Weird tastes – off flavors like bitterness or sourness.

Frequency of Entities:
cheese – 18
bacon – 17
rolls – 40
bread – 8
fridge/refrigerate/refrigerated – 10
frozen/freeze – 6
freshness – 5
room temperature – 3
stale – 4
storage – 5
keep – 4
tips – 3